It's Unforgettable Sensing the Royal Albert Hall Shake When Rikishi Meet

Not many athletic disciplines can keep viewers enthralled through an extended period of ritual before the first point is even contested.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a compact earthen circle - mostly preserved for centuries - succeeded in doing so.

Discover the Major Sumo Competition

This week-long competition at the Royal Albert Hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to 23BC.

London's historic performance space has been utterly transformed, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the competition area.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the competitors, known as sumo wrestlers, perform their foot stomping to expel negative energies, and where they clap to get the attention of the gods.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - which wouldn't look out of place at an professional sports event - offers the spectators all the statistics and footage they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "random video" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was rapidly enhanced by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, waking up early to work out, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an daytime sleep - all in the effort toward gaining weight.

Hailing from Scotland, Different Experience

Different enthusiasts discovered sumo through a more traditional route: a trip to Japan six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually came to adore the sport," explains the fan.

"From there on, we tried to locate groups, information, just to deepen our understanding about it," her partner continues.

Unique Chance

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a major championship.

This current tournament marks only the second instance the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of securing tickets, with current times seeing completely booked tournaments.

Live Observation

For numerous spectators, the current event represents the premier chance they have seen live sumo - and it exceeds expectations.

"Observing directly, you get a feeling of velocity and the force which you don't get on TV," explains an attendee. "Their size is impressive."

The Matches

To succeed, one competitor needs to force his opponent from the dohyō or to the floor using brute strength.

The most use one of pair of techniques to accomplish this, often in moments - shoving, or clenching.

Either way, the sound of the two rikishi colliding in the first moment of the match reverberates around the venue.

Prime Locations

The seats right next to the dohyō are of course highly prized - but also, somewhat dangerous.

During one recent bout, a 191cm wrestler went plummeting into the crowd - perhaps making those in more affordable locations feel relieved.

Internal Challenges

Of course, the size of the wrestlers is one of the initial aspects most people consider when they think of sumo.

The hall's organizers revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can withstand 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its popular tournaments - is not without its challenges behind the scenes.

Future Challenges

Perhaps the strict life of a professional athlete doesn't look as appealing as it once might have.

Its appeal among youth in Japan is also being challenged by different athletic pursuits, while Japan's declining population will create further complications.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that accompanies sumo is particularly meaningful," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you experience being you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did meeting the fellow enthusiasts.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to witness multiple sumo fans directly and being able to speak to other people who are similarly enthusiastic as we are - it was worth every penny."